About the song
Barry McGuire’s haunting rendition of “Eve of Destruction” remains a cornerstone of ’60s protest music. Penned by P.F. Sloan in 1965, the song became a powerful anthem that resonated with a generation grappling with the tumultuous events of its time.
Emerging from the cultural upheaval of the mid-1960s, “Eve of Destruction” reflected the anxieties and disillusionment of an era defined by social unrest, political turmoil, and the specter of nuclear annihilation. Sloan’s lyrics painted a bleak picture of a world on the brink of collapse, referencing the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War tensions.
McGuire’s passionate vocals, combined with the song’s haunting melody, amplified its impact. The lyrics, filled with stark imagery and prophetic warnings, struck a chord with listeners, serving as a rallying cry for those seeking change. The song’s popularity was fueled by its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the time, addressing issues that were deeply relevant to the younger generation.
Despite its controversial lyrics, which led to bans on some radio stations, “Eve of Destruction” became a cultural touchstone. It served as a powerful reminder of the social and political injustices of the era, inspiring listeners to question authority and demand a better future. Today, the song continues to resonate, serving as a testament to the enduring power of music as a vehicle for social change.
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Lyrics
The Eastern world, it is explodin’
Violence flarin’, bullets loadin’
You’re old enough to kill but not for votin’
You don’t believe in war, but what’s that gun you’re totin’?
And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin’
But you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don’t believe
We’re on the eve of destruction
Don’t you understand what I’m trying to say
Can’t you feel the fears I’m feeling today?
If the button is pushed, there’s no runnin’ away
There’ll be no one to save with the world in a grave
Take a look around you boy, it’s bound to scare you, boy
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don’t believe
We’re on the eve of destruction
Yeah, my blood’s so mad, feels like coagulatin’
I’m sittin’ here just contemplatin’
I can’t twist the truth, it knows no regulation
Handful of senators don’t pass legislation
And marches alone can’t bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin’
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin’
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don’t believe
We’re on the eve of destruction
And think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
Ah, you may leave here for four days in space
But when you return, it’s the same old place
The poundin’ of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don’t leave a trace
Hate your next door neighbor but don’t forget to say grace
And you tell me
Over and over and over and over again, my friend
You don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction
No no, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction